History

Timeline

In November, 2006, the Wing was redesignated to the 163d Reconnaissance Wing. The Wing was the first Air National Guard unit to receive the MQ-1 Predator and was the first to become a fully functional ANG Flying Training Unit (FTU) and Field Training Detachment (FTD) for the Predator. The FTU falls under the ACC and trains pilots and sensor operators to become Predator aircrew. The FTD, which falls under AETC, trains enlisted personnel to build, maintain and repair the Predator.

The mission of the 163d Air Refueling Wing, which the unit was redesignated to on October 1, 1993, was to maintain the capability to conduct air refueling or climate. We operated in that role as part of the Air Mobility Command commitment to Global Reach. We flew to places such as Italy, England, Australia and Asia. The aircraft we flew progressed from the KC-135E to the KC-135R. In addition, the 163d ARW provided assistance to the State of California, responding to state emergencies upon the Governor's request. The 163d was composed of four primary groups; Maintenance, Support, Operations and Medical.

In July 1990, the unit once again changed missions and was redesignated the 163d Tactical Reconnaissance Group. The 163d was equipped with RF-4C aircraft and maintained a dual state/federal mission. The unit's primary mission was to provide tactical reconnaissance to all friendly forces. The unit was also actively involved in state wide missions. This was accomplished by using a system of visual, optical, electronic, and other sensory devices. During this time the aircrews accumulated over 30,000 hours of flying time and the unit deployed across both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

On March 8, 1975, the unit once again took on the challenge of a new mission and was reassigned under the Tactical Air Command as the 163d Tactical Air Support Group. The 163d received the 0-2A/B "Super Skymaster" to accomplish the unit's new role.

After fifteen months overseas, the 196th returned to the United States and resumed operations at Ontario international Airport in Ontario, California. The unit received and flew the P-51H "Mustang" as its primary mission aircraft, up to March 1954.

The Air Force called the squadron to active duty on October 10, 1950 to assist United Nations Forces during the Korean Conflict. While stationed in Northern Japan, the unit flew F-84E "Thunderjets" side-by-side with regular active duty Air Force units, providing air defense for the area.